Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your Acura Mdx: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel pump on an Acura MDX is a fairly straightforward process but can be labour-intensive. The fuel pump is responsible for supplying adequate fuel to the engine and ensuring its proper operation. While a faulty fuel pump may leave you stranded, there are usually some warning signs, such as a loud whine while the engine is running, hard starting issues, engine surging, or loss of power. The replacement process involves disconnecting the battery, removing the rear seats, taking out the fuel pump assembly, installing a new fuel pump, and reassembling the components. It is important to take safety precautions when working with fuel system components and to have the issue properly diagnosed before replacing the fuel pump.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is the first step when replacing the fuel pump on an Acura MDX. This is a critical safety precaution to reduce the chance of a fire when working with fuel system components.

To disconnect the battery, first locate the battery under the hood of the car. Identify the negative (black) battery cable and proceed to disconnect it. Wrapping the end of the cable in a towel or shop rag is a good safety practice to prevent accidental contact with the negative battery terminal.

It is also important to note that this step should only be performed when the car is not running. Ensure the engine is turned off before proceeding with any maintenance or repair work involving the fuel system.

By taking this precaution, you can minimize the risk of electrical shorts and potential fires during the fuel pump replacement process.

Remove rear seats

To remove the rear seats of an Acura MDX, follow these steps:

First, disconnect the battery. Locate the battery under the hood and disconnect the negative (black) battery cable. This is important for safety, to prevent any electrical shorts and potential fires.

Next, remove any plastic trim pieces that cover the seat mounting bolts. You can use a flat head screwdriver or small pry bar to gently pry upwards and remove these pieces.

Now, remove the seat mounting bolts from each seat frame mount. Use the appropriate-sized socket and ratchet for this step. With the seat mounts free, lift the seat assembly and remove it from the vehicle. This step may be easier with an extra pair of hands to help lift the seats out.

With the rear seats removed, you will have access to the fuel pump through a small flap in the carpet. Fold back this flap to reveal the fuel pump cover. In some cases, you may need to cut the carpeting with a utility knife along the perforated area to fully access the pump cover.

Now you can move on to removing the fuel pump assembly.

Remove fuel pump assembly

To remove the fuel pump assembly of an Acura MDX, follow these steps:

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

Locate the battery under the hood and disconnect the negative (black) battery cable. This is a safety precaution to prevent electrical shorts and potential fires when working with fuel system components. Some people prefer to wrap the end of the cable in a towel to prevent accidental contact with the negative battery terminal.

Step 2: Remove the rear seats

The fuel pump access panel is located on the floorboard underneath the rear seats. Remove any plastic trim pieces covering the seat mounting bolts by gently prying upwards with a flat-head screwdriver or small pry bar. Then, remove the seat mounting bolts from each seat frame mount using the appropriate-sized socket and ratchet. With the seat mounts free, lift and remove the seat assembly from the vehicle. This step may require an extra pair of hands.

Step 3: Access the fuel pump

With the rear seats removed, the fuel pump can be accessed through a small flap in the carpet. Fold back the carpet flap to reveal the fuel pump cover. In some cases, you may need to cut the carpeting with a utility knife along the perforated area to fully expose the pump cover.

Step 4: Remove the fuel pump cover

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws securing the pump cover in place. The pump cover has an adhesive backing to keep fuel vapors out of the cabin, so you may need to use a small pry bar or screwdriver to pry it upwards for removal.

Step 5: Disconnect the fuel pump

Disconnect the electrical harness plug and the fuel line from the fuel pump. Remove the lock ring from the fuel pump using a lock ring wrench, large water pump pliers, or a drift punch and hammer. With the lock ring removed, you can now lift the fuel pump assembly out of the tank. Tilt the pump to allow the fuel level sensor arm to clear the tank opening and completely remove the assembly.

Reassembly

Once you have the new fuel pump, you can begin the reassembly process.

Firstly, install the rubber sealing gasket onto the new fuel pump, taking care not to damage the fuel level sensor arm as you carefully slide the pump into the fuel tank. Ensure the pump is fully seated and positioned correctly to allow the fuel line and electrical harness plug to be connected.

Next, install the locking ring, tightening it securely to prevent fuel leaks. If necessary, transfer the old fuel line quick connect coupler to the new fuel pump nipple and attach the fuel line.

Connect the fuel pump wiring harness plug and install the fuel pump cover, securing it with the fastening screws.

Now, you can reinstall the rear seat and tighten the mounting bolts. Install the plastic seat mount trim covers.

Finally, reconnect the battery. Before installing the cover, you can inspect the fuel pump for leaks by starting the car and examining the pump for wetness.

Reconnect the battery

Once you have finished replacing the fuel pump, you can reconnect the battery. This is the final step in the fuel pump replacement process.

To begin, locate the battery under the hood of your Acura MDX. You will then need to reconnect the negative (black) battery cable. Some people prefer to wrap the end of the cable in a towel or shop rag to prevent accidental contact with the negative battery terminal.

After reconnecting the battery, you can start the car and examine the pump for any signs of leaks.

Frequently asked questions